Sri Lanka celebrates 70th Independence Day

[February
04
2018]

Sri Lanka
celebrated her 70th Independence
Day, under the patronage of HE
the President .Maithripala
Sirisena who is also the
Commander -in -Chief of the
Armed Forces, at Galle Face
grounds in Colombo on the 04th
February 2018.

The day commenced with the President hoisting the
National Flag. And then, the "Jayamangala Gatha" was sung which was
followed by a two minutes silence observed in memory of the fallen War
Heroes. A special Gun Salute for the President was carried out by the
Sri Lanka Army.

Making his Address to the nation, the President said
that corruption, bribery and malpractices have the most unfavorable
effect on the economic sovereignty of the country and everyone should
carry out their duties properly. He also said that a broad national
movement against corruption is essential for the self defence of the
march towards the progress of the country. He noted that politicians as
well as public servants must act with utmost financial discipline. The
President said that the experience gained during the past seven decades
must be utilized to face future challenges.

While paying tribute to the contribution of the War
Heroes, the President said that when terrorists were trying to divide
the country the members of the Tri forces, Police, and Civil Defence
Services sacrificed life and limb to safeguard the freedom, unity and
the territorial integrity of the country. Pointing out the rights of the
people to live as equal citizens, he stressed the need of support and
commitment of all the communities to achieve true reconciliation.

The military parade consisted of the squads of the Tri
forces, Police, Special Task Force, Civil Security Department and the
National Cadet Corps. 124 Officers and 3397 Other Rank personnel of the
Army, 51 Officers and 1113 Sailors of the Navy and 47 Officers and 867
Other Rank personnel of the Air Force marched in the main parade
representing the tri forces. The Police squad consisted of 36 Officers
and 396 personnel and one Officer and 301 personnel of the Special Task
Force. One Officer and 499 personnel of the Civil Security Department
and 9 Officers and 314 NCC Cadets marched with all their regalia
representing their respective institutions.

In the display of armored vehicles and other
equipment, 58 vehicles of the Sri Lanka Army paraded the street while
the Sri Lanka Navy Sail Past consisted of 08 ships and 11 Dvora boats.
The Fly Past of the Sri Lanka Air Force consisted of 32 aircraft
including fighter jets and helicopters.

The youngest son of the Queen Elizabeth, Prince Edward
attended the ceremony as a special guest. Prime Minister Hon. Ranil
Wickremesinghe, State Minister of Defence Hon. RuwanWijewardene and
Secretary to the Ministry of Defence Mr. Kapila Waidyaratne PC were
present at the ceremony. Religious dignitaries, former President Madam
Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga, Hon. Speaker, Ministers, Field
Marshal Sarath Fonseka, Chief Justice, Parliamentarians, Provincial
Governors, Chief Ministers, members of the diplomatic corps, CDS,
Tri-Forces Commanders, IGP, senior state officials, Director General of
CSD and a large gathering of distinguished invitees also attended the
ceremony.

Exactly seventy years ago, on the 04th of February
1948, Sri Lanka gained independence from its colonial rulers, thus
ending a long period of foreign rule. Since then, led by democratically
elected governments, the country has come a long way and is now poised
to reach a regional hub status in many spheres. It is one of the few
countries in the world that has successfully defeated terrorism. Thanks
to the sacrifices made by the valiant men and women of the nation we are
enjoying the dividends of peace and prosperity.